Work for Us

All around the Pathway Colleges of the Braun Foundation there is a multitude of interesting, challenging and international-related tasks and activities to perform.

These include, for example:

the running of teaching and university activities on our campuses

the administration and development of our web presence

organising marketing, dealing with the press and generating enthusiasm among foreign nationals for studying and working in Germany

In the worlds of intercultural exchange and international education, there are no closing times, no weekends and few holidays – in this land the sun never sets!

But versatile, worldwide jobs are not the only reason you should work with us:

You will work with talented, goal-oriented people, both young and mature

You can take advantage of the extensive, global wealth of experience of all the members and friends of the Braun Foundation

You will work in an open, innovative and transparent environment

In your job, you will be making an eminent socio-political contribution

You will be participating in educationally relevant projects that offer innovative solutions

You will work in a small team whose results will have a great impact at a much higher level

You will interact with and move within a global community consisting of many diverse cultures

Through your work in a non-profit, education-oriented organisation, many other career opportunities will be opened up to you through the large international network of the Braun Foundation for International Exchange

Whether you are looking for full employment, flexible location-independent work, or a second job – speak to us.

The areas of activity of the Braun Foundation are extensive, and our plans and goals ambitious. We are constantly on the lookout for volunteers, supporters, partners and co-workers, who wish to support us with their expertise.

The GPC German language courses B1+ and B2 are basically available in all major cities of Germany. Additionally, GPC partner language schools also offer any German language course and operate branches in all major German cities.

What are the German Pathway Colleges?

GPC is preparing mainly NON-EU citizens for any kind of BA, MA study program in Germany. After you have successfully passed the 1 year long Pathway courses, you can study at a German university. Additionally, GPC is offering German courses in Germany either directly or through one of our local partners.

Can I take study breaks?

A study break can be taken after 2 full terms, 24 weeks.

What are the duration of courses?

Courses can take between 5 and 12 weeks. The full GPC program takes 24 weeks, 2 terms.

Are you interested in BA, MA, or PhD study program in Germany?

Currently GPC does not offer BA, MA, or PhD degrees directly. However, we cooperate with several organizations and universities who can help you.

Can I study German language once I am enrolled in GPC?

German language classes are most important to start your academic career in Germany. You will have 3h per day, 5 days a week German courses. However, you do not need to be enrolled for the GPC German language courses B1+ and B2, which are available prior to the full GPC study program.

If you arrive with German language skills at B2 level you can start the 1 year long GPC foundation programimmediately and, later on, apply for a BA study program at a German university in your subject area, — after having passed the final FSP assessment test in your subject area at German language level C1.

Is there any minimum age?

If you have not become 21 yet, only your parents or parental authorities are authorised to sign any official document.

What are the entry requirementfor any GPC course?

A valid German visa and German language levelB2

Am I eligible to study at a GPC?

Your German language skillsneed to be at level B2 in order to start with a GPC program. Only with this starting level can we feel confident that within 2 semesters of study at GPC you can reach the language level C1. This high level is needed in order to reach the GPC program target, i.e. to make you eligible for study at a German university.

Should your German skills be lower than B-2 you may want to look at preparatory German language classes. Several partners of GPC all over Germany offer preparatory German language courses leading from absolute beginner A0 to A1, A2, B1 and B2 levels. Contact us, if you are interested.

What are the costs of living in Freiburg?

On monthly basis we generally give the following figures: For accommodation we recommend calculating between €350,- and €450,- for a furnished single room or small apartment. €200,- for food, €100,- for books, paper, etc. and €200,- or so for free-time activities. These are just estimates: Eating out, long distance week-end trips and other surely fun activities will raise the costs significantly. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your expenses and plan and budget wisely. We will give more information on these topics during orientation. The German embassies or consulates ask for a guarantee of approx. €650,- per month of stay, but as can you see from the estimates above, it would be comfortable to have little more.

What if a student is homesick or wants or needs to return after the programme has begun?

After the semester is about to begin or even has already begun, everything has been prepared for the student, (people on the waiting list have been rejected). For these and many other reasons the Braun Foundation cannot reimburse the tuition fee. Another question is whether or not you can get back parts of your pre-paid rent which you have paid to the housing department. Please contact the housing office for further questions.

Can my parents/friends come to visit?

Especially during the first days some students are often accompanied by parents or friends. We always welcome visitors and are happy to answer questions and show them around. However, if you are already a student at GPC we kindly ask your guests to respect you student duties such as attending classes, doing homework and passing exams, of course. Therefore, it is a good idea to limit visits to a few days in order to minimize distraction.

What if I am sick while I study in Freiburg?

How safe is the city I will study in?

Freiburg is a very safe city but common sense, just like at home and anywhere else, is always helpful in order to prevent bad experiences. Other good advice and helpful ideas will be covered during orientation with no question left unanswered.

How will I find my way around in the city?

During orientation we will spend lots of time in the city and you will get to know the campus, the city, many shops and places of interest. Very soon the streets of Freiburg will be familiar to you. If possible GPC staff will find a “buddy” for you. That is a local student who will pick you up from the train station and who will show you around during the first days.

What should I pack?

There is a golden rule that experienced travellers follow because it makes trips easy and stress free: Pack light. There are shops in Freiburg where you can buy foreign food which may be similar to your home country, so no need to bring food. Leave at home whatever you can purchase here inexpensively (e.g. towels). There is a simple test to check if you succeeded packing light. If you are done packing, dress in a your coat and outdoor shoes, lift all your bags and walk down and up some stairs for about 20 minutes. If you are not too exhausted afterwards you packed right.

What is the best way to travel to Freiburg?

The airport with by far the highest number of connections in the region is the airport Frankfurt/Main (FRA). The Intercity Express (ICE) trains take you directly from Frankfurt Airport to Freiburg in about 2 hours (price for a ticket: approx. €50,-).

The airports in Strasbourg or Stuttgart are other options that are approximately 2-3 hours away by train or car.

Contact us if you need help with your flight bookings.

Freiburg has a train station with many frequent connections. Just make sure you choose the full name Freiburg im Breisgauwhen you type in your destination, so you do not end up in one of the other Freiburgs.

I have been accepted at the GPC. How can I prepare best for my time in Germany

You will receive a few very helpful newsletters with pre-departure information from the GPC office. Please read all the information carefully. The GPC team shares this knowledge with you to make you more independent and help you relax and structure your preparation period. An open mind helps a lot. Things surely are different than at home. Also: learn some basic words of German (such as: Bitte, Danke, Guten Tag, Auf Wiedersehen…), so you have an icebreaker or two in your very first conversations.

Will the weekends be free so I can travel?

Yes, most weekends are free. Fridays are always class days, and there may be activities even on Saturdays, but they will be announced upon arrival. Therefore we strongly recommend to not make any travel plans before your arrival on site.

How will I meet locals and get integrated?

Can I come to study at the GPC in Freiburg if I am physically challenged?

Yes. The Student Services Team will do their best to meet your needs, and the housing office will do their best to find the right room for you. It requires some flexibility on all sides, but our staff and the student assistants are more than happy to help. However it is crucial that you list all your needs beforehand and get expert advice and letters of recommendation from medical doctors (if necessary), and then make the final decision together with our onsite staff and the Braun Foundation. GPC staff will do their best to minimize expenses related to on site the support of the student but it is the student who is responsible for all and any extra costs.

Are the field trips mandatory?

The field trips offered by the international office are optional. Field trips and field studies that are organized by your teacher(s) are part of your class and, therefore your participation is mandatory. However, if an international office field trip is used for a field study by a teacher, then participation is mandatory for these specific students, too.

Will somebody meet me at the train station?

Many local students volunteer as a “buddy” to pick up foreign students and support them during the first days. You can ask them lots of questions and learn how to heat your room, where to shop in Freiburg and so on. The buddies are also great to test your German on them. Give it a try.

Are there mandatory activities, besides class sessions?

Yes. You need to be present during orientation days and all class related activities including scheduled personal “tutorials”. Other activities such as movie nights, round tables and similar are voluntary, of course.

When will I get back my deposit?

Your deposit will be returned about eight weeks after your departure if everything has been returned undamaged and no costs have occurred.

How much will I spend on housing?

Our housing office is run by a not-for-profit organisation by German standards (e.V.) which makes sure that you get the best price available with the best service. Monthly rents depend on diverse factors such as location, standard, utilities etc. and range between €300,- and €450,- for a furnished single room and €400,- and €550,- for a furnished single apartment. The housing office will ask you for a deposit of €300,- which will be refunded after your departure if everything has been returned undamaged and no costs have occurred.

What if I am physically challenged?

We will do our best to find a suitable accommodation for you and your needs. Freiburg is an old town with lots of stairs and cobblestone streets but we will do our best to find a good place for you. Please make sure to list your needs in the reservation request on the housing office website.

Where will I live?

All questions around your living situation will be answered after you have made your rental request through our housing office here. Just complete the form and the housing office will get back to you. They are happy to answer all your questions. Please be aware the specific wishes cannot always be taken into consideration as the housing market in Freiburg is tight and requires some flexibility from all sides.

Where do I get more information on accommodation?

You find lots of information on the website of the housing office. Our staff on site is happy to answer your questions.

How do I get a German Visa?

We have put together several useful links and information regarding the visa alpplication process here: